WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF), Citizens for a Safe and Secure America (C4SSA), and Global Justice are proud to announce that on May 22, 2024, the House Armed Services Committee has approved amendment 4484 the Hope for Syria Act to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (H.R.8070), introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Marc Veasy (D-TX) which contains a number of provisions concerning Syria. The amendment to the NDAA includes the following items:
- Developing a strategy to protect the United States and partner forces at Al-Tanf Garrison in Syria from the threat of Iran-backed militias, ISIS, the Russian Federation, and the Assad regime.
- Continued and expanded collaboration between Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) and non-governmental organizations to provide essential aid for civilians in Rukban IDP Camp near al-Tanf.
- Reporting on the Assad regime’s cooperation, assistance, and association with the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
- Submitting a strategy to disrupt and degrade threats to the national security of the United States caused by Iran-backed militias in Syria.
- Developing a report and building a strategy to utilize existing authorities to counter Russia’s support of foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists in Syria.
- Prohibition of recognition or normalization with the Assad regime.
The adoption of this amendment is important for the provision of humanitarian aid to internally displaced civilians in need in Rukban camp, near the US al-Tanf Garrison, as well as for the protection of US forces in the region. Furthermore, the inclusion of a clause regarding the US non recognition of the Assad regime as the legitimate government of Syria is a step against normalization of this criminal regime. We applaud the efforts to include this important amendment to this year’s NDAA and urge members to support it in the House and the Senate moving forward.
